Parks Hosts First Rockaway Fall Festival

By Miriam Rosenberg

Pick an apple and dip it in caramel. Councilman James Sanders Jr. joins other festivalgoers in making their own candied apples. Photos by Miriam Rosenberg A large crowd attended the first ever Rockaway Fall Festival, hosted by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation at O'Donohue Park at Beach 17 Street last Sunday. The day, funded by an allocation from Councilman James Sanders Jr., came complete with hayrides and pony rides, a bounce house, candied apples, crafts for children of all ages, face painting, a pumpkin patch and a puppet show.

Children got to make their own costumes. Nashiya, 5, is joined by her Aunt Shannon as she shows off her costume and painted pumpkin. Isaiah, 4, (inset) became a ninja for the day. Chloe and Shane were among the many who had their faces painted at the festival. Part of O'Donohue Park's baseball field became a pumpkin patch where youngsters got to pick their own pumpkins to decorate. Children and adults, including The Wave's own Kizzy Thompson, were amazed by the experiments at the Vinny Voltage Science Show. Double Dutch World champions, Rockaway's own Stan's Pepper Steppers, drew a large audience. Young and old enjoy a performance of Cinderella by Puppets in the Park. Several hundred people came out to enjoy the day. Children enjoyed pony rides on the infield of the ball field. Hayrides on the promenade on Beach 17 Street were a popular attraction.